Apparatus for severing and depositing glass fibers

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for severing linear elements such as glass strands; the apparatus includes means providing spaced apart opposing surfaces defining a space for extension of a linear element therethrough, a movable member with a cutting edge adjacent the space and means for reciprocating the member laterally of the space to sever linear elements extended through the space across the member. The apparatus is used in a continuous glass filament forming operation together with an interim collection container.

United States Patent [191 Sears et a].

[ Nov. 13, 1973 APPARATUS FOR SEVERING AND DEPOSITING GLASS FIBERS [75]inventors: James H. Sears; Paul M. Vucish,

both of Anderson, SC.

[73] Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, Toledo, Ohio [22]Filed: Aug. 28, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 284,298

[52] US. Cl. 65/9, 65/11 R, 65/11 W,

83/664, 83/913 [51] Int. Cl C03b 37/02 [58] Field of Search 65/11 R, 2,9, 11 W [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,265,482 8/1966Langlois et al. 65/9 3,414,956 12/1968 Genson 65/11 W 3,596,319 8/1971McKencia et al... 65/9 X 3,644,109 2/1972 Klink et a]. 65/1 1 R PrimaryExaminer-Robert L. Lindsay, Jr. Attorney-Staclin & Overman [57] ABSTRACTApparatus for severing linear elements such as glass strands; theapparatus includes means providing spaced apart opposing surfacesdefining a space for extension of a linear element therethrough, amovable member with a cutting edge adjacent the space and means forreciprocating the member laterally of the space to sever linear elementsextended through the space across the member. The apparatus is used in acontinuous glass filament forming operation together with an interimcollection container.

5 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PAIENIEMM 13 1915 SHEET 10F 3AWAVAVAVAVAVABVA A A TIE-1- mmm ms 3,771,981

SHEET 2 [IF 3 APPARATUS FOR SEVERING AND DEPOSITING GLASS FIBERSBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Improved apparatus for severing bundles offilaments, especially bundles of glass filaments, has been needed foryears. This needhas been especially keen in the manufacture ofcontinuous glass strand mat. But the need has not heretofore been met.

It has been customary to produce continuousglass strand mat ina glassfilament forming operation using a rotary pulling and advancing devicein the form of a pulling wheel. Here the rotating pulling wheelsimultaneously effects attenuation of continuous glass filaments frommolten glass streams supplied by a feeder and delivers the filaments instrand form to a moving collection surface. Many pulling wheels usuallyare employed to feed a single collection surface; and each wheelnormally delivers many strands. Hence, an operator is kept busy insuringall the pulling wheel positions are kept functioning properly. Brokenstrands or interrupted delivery of strand from a rotating pulling wheeladversely effects the quality of mat produced. Improved apparatus,including improved strand severing apparatus, isneeded under theseemergency production conditions as well as at start-up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is improvedapparatus for severing linear elements, especially multifilament linearelements such as glass strand.

Another object of the invention is improved apparatus for producingcontinuous glass strand mat.

Still another object of the invention is improved apparatus for handlingand severing continuous glass strand in a glass filament formingoperation upon demand and at start-up where rotary means delivers glassstrand linearly to a collection surface in producing a continuous strandmat.

Other objects and advantageswill become more apparent as the inventionis described in more detail with reference made to the accompanyingdrawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation ofapparatus embodying the principles of the invention in use in a glassfilament forming operation. A rotary pulling device simultaneouslyattenuates continuous glass filaments from streams of molten glass andfeeds the filaments gathered in strand form to a moving collectionsurface.

FIG. 2 is a somewhat simplified view in perspective of apparatus shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view in elevation, partially in section, ofthe pulling wheel shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 shows the rotarysupport for the wheel.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of severing apparatus according to theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view in elevation of the severing apparatus in sectiontaken along the lines 5-5 in FIG.4.

FIG. 6 is a front view in elevation of the severing apparatus shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

, FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view, of the tapered finger arrangement ofthe strand retaining member of the severing apparatus shown in FIGS. 46.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of one end of another retaining member accordingto the principles of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a somewhat diagrammatic showing of an air supply and pneumaticblade reciprocating apparatus of the severing apparatus.

FIG. 10 is an overall electrical control diagram from the apparatusshown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 11 is a view in perspective of the strand collection chute shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 in a tilted. disposition with a load of scrap glassstrand. Strand is shown hanging from the open forward end of the chutein position for severance by the strand severing apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a side view in elevation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2after the strand collection chute has collected a load of scrap strandbut before the strand severing apparatus has separated the strandbetween the chute and moving. collection surface. The strand from thechute is shown being moved down stream of the apparatus with mat on theadvancing collection surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Apparatus of the invention isuseful in handling various types of continuous linear elements,including monofilaments, strands, rovings, yarns and cords of natural orsynthetic filaments. But the apparatus is especially useful in handlingglass strand in a continuous glass filament forming operation. In suchoperation continuous glass filaments are simultaneously attenuated fromstreams of molten glass and advanced in strand form to a primarycollection region.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate apparatus according to the principles of theinvention in a continuous glass filament forming operation. As shown, arotary device in the form of a hollow pulling wheel 10 is used informing continuous glass filaments 12 and feeding untwisted bundles orcontinuous strands 14 of these filaments downwardly to a movingcollection surface 16. The individual strands 14 are accumulated on themoving collection surface 16 to form a continuous glass strand mat 1s.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 only one pulling wheel 10 is shown; however, inpractice there can be twenty or more such wheels above and along thelength of the collection surface 16. Each of the pulling wheels 10normally feeds many individual glass strands 14 back and forth acrossthewidth of the collection surface 16. While for clarity the pulling wheel10 is illustrated feeding three strands 14 onto the collection surface16, in practice each pulling wheel normally feeds up to twentyindividual strands 14 or more.

A movably mounted strand collection container chute 20 is adjacent thepulling wheel 10. During times the pulling wheel 10 is properly feedingthe strands 14 to the collection surface the chute 20 is in an inclinedor tilted rest position. In such a position the chute 20 does notinterfere with delivery of the strands l4 fed to the collection surface16 by the rotating pulling wheel 10. When needed, usually at start-up ofthe pulling wheel 10, apparatus is activated to move the chute 20 fromits inclined rest position to a postion between the pulling wheel 10 andthe collection surface 16 to collect the strands 14 as waste. Uponreturn to its rest position the inclined position of the chute 20transfers any collected waste strand to a hopper l9. The chute 20carries a device 22 for severing th strands 14. In the apparatus shown,movement of the chute 20 brings the apparatus 22 into engagement withthe strands 14 for severance. Strand severance is needed during start-upof the pulling wheel to separate the continuous strand collected in-thechute from strand fed by the wheel 10 to the collecting surface 16;strand severance is also needed during times the strands 14 have lickedaround the circumferen tial strand engaging surface of the rotatingpulling wheel 10. Accumulation of strand on the rotating pulling wheel10 during mat forming pulls fed strand upwardly from the collectingsurface 16 unless the strands 14 are severed. Upward movement of stranddamages the mat 18. I

In one broad sense, the severing apparatus includes means providingspaced apart opposing surfaces defining a space for extension of linearelements such as glass strand therethrough and a movable member with acutting edge spaced from the means defining the surfaces. Further, theapparatus includes means for moving the member laterally of the space ina direction between the oposing surfaces for severance of a linearelement extended through the space across the path of the element. Theopposing surfaces are sufficiently close to the path of the member tolimit lateral movement of the element in its zone of engagement with thecutting edge of the member and thereby promote severance of the element.

The means providing the opposing spaced apart surfaces normally providesconverging opposing surfaces for fixing the linear position of a linearelement extended through the space.

Referring more particularly to the overall showing of the apparatus inFIG. 1, a stream feeding container 26 holds a body of molten glass. Thefeeder 10 can receive a continuous supply of glass in several ways. Forexam ple, a forehearth can supply molten glass to the feeder 10 from afurnace heating batch mineral material to molten glass. Also, a melterassociated with the feeder 26 can supply molten glass to the feeder 26by reducing glass marbles to a heat-softened condition.

At the ends of the feeder 26 are terminals 28 that connect to a sourceof electrical energy to heat the feeder 26 by conventional resistanceheating. Such heating keeps the molten glass in the feeder 26 at properfilament forming temperatures and viscosities.

Also, the feeder 26 has a bottom wall '30 with orifice openings orpassageways for delivering streams 32 of molten glass. As shown,depending orifce projections or tubular members 34 form the orificeopenings in the bottom of the feeder 26.

The feeder 26 is normally made of platinum or an alloy of platinum.

The molten glass streams 32 are attenuated downwardly into theindividual continuous glass filaments 12 by the pulling effect of therotating pulling wheel 10.

Gathering shoes below the feeder 26 combine or gather the movingcontinuous glass filaments into individual bundles (strands 14). Theembodiment as shown combines the filaments 12 into three individualstrands l4.

Normally apparatus supplies both water and a liquid sizing or binder tothe advancing filaments 12. As shown nozzles 42 and 44 are adjacent tothe bottom 30 of the feeder 26 and direct water spray onto thecontinuous glass filaments 12.

A sizing applicator 46 supported within a housing 48 just above thegathering shoes 40 applies a liquid sizing or hinder to the swiftlytraveling continuous glass filaments 12. The applicator may be anysuitable type known to the art; however, as shown, the applicator 46 isan endless belt moved through liquid held in the housing 48. As thecontinuous glass filaments 12 speed across the surface of the movingendless belt applicator 46, some of the liquid on the surface of theapplicator transfers to them.

It is usually desirable to use a complex sizing or binder to promotecoherence of the filaments 12 when combined into the strands l4 and topromote nonslipping adherence of the strands 14 to the periphery of thepulling wheel 10. Where the mat produced is to be combined with aplastic resin, it is also desirable to include a coupling agent in thesizing or binder that helps the resin wet the mat.

A preferred form of binder is one retaining sufficient cohesiveproperties when cured to contribute to binding together of the strands14 in the mat or other form which they are collected on a conveyor orcollecting surface. Such a binder has a dual purpose of holding thefilaments together as strands and bonding the strands into an integratedbody.

The pulling wheel advances the strands 14 downwardly from the applicator46 to a multi-grooved shoe 50. The shoe 50 arranges the array ofindividual strands 14 for advancement onto the circumferential surface52 of the pulling wheel 10. An idler wheel 54 keeps the strands l4separated and assists in establishing strand tension. Further, the idlerwheel 54 insures continued proper strand array for advancement to thepulling wheel 10. I

The strands 14 travel upwardly from the idler wheel 54 to engage themoving circumferential surface 52 of the rotating pulling wheel 10.

A motor 58, through a belt 60, drives the pulling wheel 10 at highangular speeds in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) shown inFIG. 1.

The liquid on the strands l4 wets the surfaces of both the pulling wheel10 and the strands 14.

Apparently the surface tension of liquid wetting the peripheral orcircumferential surface of the wheel 10 and the strands 14 providessufficient tractive force to advance the strands 14 and to withdraw thefilaments 12 from the molten glass streams 32. Also, it is theorizedthat a belt effect of strands on the circumference of the rotatingpulling wheel 10 provides tractive or attenuating forces.

The pulling wheel 10 includes means for strand removal at selectedlocations on its circumferential surface 52 during rotation. In FIG. 1,it can be seen that the pulling wheel arrangement uses a drivenrotatable spoke or spider wheel 62 within the pulling wheel 10. Thewheel 62 includes circumferentially spaced fingers 64 movable throughopenings or spaces 66 (see FIG. 3) in the circumferential surface 52 ofthe pulling wheel 10. The fingers 64 progressively contact the strands14 to disengage them from the circumferential surface of the rotatingpulling wheel 10. The strands 14 are projected downwardly by the pullingwheel 10 to the collection surface 16 along paths preceding tangentiallyfrom the point of strand discharge from the circumference of the pullingwheel 10.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 3, the pulling wheel 10 asillustrated includes a driven rotatable assembly '70 including thepulling wheel 10, which is shown as open at one side, and anoscillatable assembly 72 for effecting removal of the strands 14 atvarious locations from the circumferential surface 52 of the pullingwheel 10. A stationary support 74 holds both as- Y semblies.

When the motor 58 rotates the shaft through the belt 60 the pullingwheel 60 is driven in high speed rotation.

The strand removal assembly 72 includes an end plate 86, a tubeconnector 88 and the wheel 62.

As illustrated the tube connector 88 is horizontally mounted on theoutside of the stationary support tube 75 for movement about the axis ofthe shaft 80.

The end plate 86 is circular and is joined to the connector tube 88 atone end and covers the open side of the pulling wheel 10. The diameterof the end plate 88 is slightly more than the inside diameter of thepulling wheel to permit free rotation of the wheel 10. Thus, the endplate 88 and the pulling wheel 10 form a hollow assembly.

The wheel 62 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 90 held on the end plate88. The shaft 90 extends normally away from the end plate 88. Hence, theshaft 90 extends within the hollow assembly in a direction parallel tothe shaft 80.

A timing drive connecting the rotary assembly 70 and the spoke wheel 62rotates thewheel 62 with the pulling wheel 10. Hence, the fingers 64moves smoothly in or out of the slots 66 during rotation of the pullingwheel 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the drive includes a pulley 92 on theshaft 90, a pulley 94 on the shaft 80 and a belt 95 convecting thepulleys k The pulling wheel arrangement includes means for oscillatingthe end plate 86 (and consequently the spoke wheel 62) to distribute thestrands 14 back and forth across the width of the collecting'surface 16.Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the 'end plate 86 is driven by apparatusincluding a fluid cylinder 96, a triangular length 98 and link rod 99.The link rod 99' pivotally connects at one end to arm 100 on the tubeconnector 88 and at the other end pivotally connects to the triangularlink 98 through a linking rod 104. The triangular link 98 is pivotallyheld on the end of a rod 106.

' The strand collection chute adjacent the pulling wheel 10 can be moreclearly seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 11 to include a bottom 1 l0 and sidewalls 1 12. The bottom 1 10 and side walls 1 12 form a forward strandcollection region 114 and a rearward strand transferregion 116.

An inclined stationary support 120 carries the chute 20.

Apparatus moves the strand collection chute 20 from the inclined restposition (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1 and shown in FIG. 2) tothe position effective to receive strand from the pulling wheel 10. Asshown the chute moving apparatus is on the support 120 and includes anair motor 122 (which includes an air cylinder 124, piston 126 and pistonrod 128), a rack 130, a pinion gear 132 and a pare of arms 134.

One end of each of the arms 134 is fixed on a shaft 136 that isrotatably mounted on the stationary support 120. The other end of eachof the other arms 134 is fixed to a shaft 138 that extends betweenmountings 140 at the rearward end of the chute 20. Hence, movement ofthe arms'l34 about the axis of the shaft 136 moves the chute 20 betweenits tilted rest location and its strand-collection location under thepulling wheel The piston rod 128 of the air motor 122 is connected tothe rack 130, which is movably mounted on the support 120. The rack 130engages the pinion gear 132, which is fixed on the shaft 136. As the airmotor 122 extends the piston rod 128, the rack 130 moves forward (upwardand to the left in FIG. 1) to move the pinion gear 132 (and hence shaft136). The chute 20 ismoved upward and over the upper end of the supportinto the strand collection position, which in practice is still aslightly upwardly tilted position for the chute 20. As thepiston rod 128is retracted into the cylinder 124, the rack moves the pinion gear 132;the chute 20 is returned to its rest position.

Air under pressure is supplied to the air cylinder 124 through supplylines 142 and 144. A solenoid control valve 148 regulates air suppliedto the cylinder 124.

It has been useful to incline the chute 20 upwardly about 45 degreesfrom the horizontal for a rest position when it is mounted close to thepulling wheel 10 like shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Further, it has beenuseful to have the chute 20 inclined between 15 and 30 from thehorizontal in its strand collection location.

As illustrated the strand severing apparatus 22 is fixed at the forwardend of the chute 20 and hence, moves with the chute. I

FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 show the strand severing apparatus 22 in moredetail. As illustrated the apparatus 22 includes a flanged metal box 150carrying strand retaining means in the form of a longitudinal member 15with a central comb-like section having spaced apart side-.by-sideextension members or fingers 154 forming spaces 156 between them throughwhich linear elerrients such as glass strand can extend. The fingers 154are equal length and in side-by-side planar relationship as shown.Further, the fingers 154 are shown in a preferred form; each of thefingers 154 taper from its base end towards its free end or tip. Hence,the fingers 154 provide converging edge surfaces 154e defining spaces156. Each of the spaces 156 narrow to an apex region 156a at the baseregion of each of the fingers 154. The apex regions 156a are of such asize with respect to the strands 14 that the fingers 154 (edge surfaces154a) engage the strands 14 (usually individually) sufficiently to stoplinear movement of the strands caused by the pulling effect of themoving collection surface 16. The

edges 154e intersect at an angle A (see FIG. 7); angle A is normallyfrom 10 to 15. 4

At each end of the member 152 is a guide portion 158 providing strandguide edges 160 slanted with respect to the fingers 154. The edges 160,are positioned (inclined) to effectively guide strand into the spaces156 at the ends of the row of fingers 154. I

The fingers 154 project beyond the forward open end of the chute 20.

, The apparatus 22 furtherincludes a member 162 with a cutting edge 163and a strand severance backing surface 164 disposed adjacent the fingers154. The blade 162 is mounted for movement at one side of the member 152in a transverse direction to the fingers 154 into strand severingengagement with strand against the surface 164 for strand extendedthrough the spaces 156 across the path of the member 162.

The apparatus 22 is shown in a preferred embodiment with the surface 164disposednormal to the plane in which'fingers 154 project and with anelongated notch or groove 166 in the surface 164. The groove 166 extendsalong a straight line in a direction parallel to the plane in which thefingers 154 extend. And in transverse cross section the walls of thenotch 166 normally define a V; in practice it is usual to have the wallsof the notch 166 intersect at right angles.

A member 168 carried by the box 150 provides a hard surface 164. Whileit has been the practice to use a member 168 made of hard metal, it ispossible to use a member providing a resilient surface for the surface164. Also, it is possible to use a strand severance backing surfacewithout a groove (e.g., the groove 166). But a strand severance backingsurface with a groove is preferred.

The member 162 is shown as a circular blade rotatably mounted with itsaxis of rotation paralled with the surface 164. Further the circularblade 162 is mounted for movement with its cutting edge 163 in strandsevering communication with the groove 166. A guide extension 170 of amovable carriage 17 2 carries the blade 162 for movement along thesurface 164 in the groove 166. In operation the blade 162 isreciprocated back and forth in the groove for severance of strandextending across the groove 166. i

It has been useful to use a blade 162 having a cutting edge 163 formedby surfaces intersecting at an angle of about 69:

The blade 162 can be nonrotatably held. Also, other forms of cuttingmembers can be used.

The fingers 154 are sufficiently close to the path of the blade 162 tolimit the lateral movement of strands in their zone of engagement withthe cutting edge and thereby promote strand severance. Such animmediately adjacent relationship between the fingers 154 and path ofthe blade 162 will change somewhat with strands of different diameterand with the material of the linear elements to be severed. The flexuralrigidity of linear elements increases with a decrease in length. Inpractice a distance D (see FIG. that is normally less than 0.5 of aninch (0.375 to 0.5 being preferred) is used with glass strands forlimiting lateral movement to assist in strand severance. g

FIG. 8 shows a portion of another. strand retaining member 152' withside-by-side spaced apart untapered fingers 154' forming spaces 156'therebetween. The ends of the member 152' have guide portions 158' withstrand guide edges 160'.

The movable carriage 172 is disposed between the bottom of the box 150and the support block 168. The carriage 172 is an assembly that includesa forward member 174 and a rearward member 176; these members are joinedtogether. The carriage 172 further includes wheels 178 that arerotatably mounted on the rearward member 176 and engage the rearwardside 179 of the support block 168.

The carriage assembly 172 provides an arrangement that resiliently urgesthe cutting edge 163 of the circular blade 162 into the elongated notch166. Blots 180a and 180b extend through passageways in the rearwardmember 176 and thread into the forward member 174. Compression springs182a and l82b are on the bolts 180a and 180b respectively in thepassageways in the rearward member 176. These springs are compressedbetween shoulder regions 184 in the rearward portion passageways and theheads of the bolts a and 180b. Hence, the forward member 174 andrearward member 176 are urged together by the springs 182a and l82b.Accordingly, the circular blade 162 is resiliently urged into the groove166.

The severing apparatus 22 includes means for reciprocating the blade 162laterally of the extensions 154 in the groove 166. The embodiment shownuses a fluid reciprocating means in the form of a cable cylinder deviceincluding a cylinder 190, a piston 192, rollers 194 and 196 and cables198 and 200. Each of the cables is joined at one of its ends to oppositesides of the piston 192 within the cylinder 190. Each of the cablesextends axially outwardly of the cylinder and turns on one of therotatably mounted rollers 194 and 196. The other end of each of thecables 198 and 200 secure to a U bracket 202 fixed on the rearwardmember 176 of the carriage assembly 172.

Air under pressure supplied alternately to the cylinder 190 on oppositesides of the piston 192 moves the cables 198 and 200 to reciprocate thecarriage 172 (and hence the blade 162). Cable cylinders like the oneshown are available commercially from TOL-O- MATIC, INC. under thedesignation Cable-Cylinder.

Thus, the strand severing apparatus 22 comprises strand retaining meansincluding spaced apart extensions through which a linear element such asglass strand can extend; a strand severance backing surface immediatelyadjacent the strand retaining means; a blade mounted for movementtransversely of the extensions to move its cutting edge into severingengagement with strand against the backing surface; and means for movingthe blade. The extensions are sufficiently close to the path of theblade to limit lateral movement of the strand in the zone of engagementwith the blade to assist strand severance.

The forward portion 170 of the carriage 172 is shaped to provide slantedguide edges 204 that push errant strands into the spaces 156 between thefingers 154 during reciprocation of the carriage 172. As shown thedimensions of theportion 170 permit the cutting edge of the blade 162 toextend in part beyond the edges 204. In practice the edges 204 areslanted to form an angle B with the direction of carriage movement'(seeFIG. 9). Angle B is normally between 65 and 80 degees, with an angle Bof 75 degrees being preferred.

FIG. 9 shows an air supply system for the cylinder 190. The supplyincludes a main supply line 206 and two branch lines 208 and 210providing air under pressure to a control valve 212. Air from the valve212 is provided to the cylinder 190 through supply lines 214 and 216. v

The branch line 208 has a solenoid actuated valve 218 controlling thesupply of air to the end of the valve 212.

The control valve 212 is a commercially available shuttle valve. Theposition of an internal shuttle core regulates air supply through thelines 214 and 216. When air is provided to the valve 212 through line208, the shuttle core is reciprocated. Reciprocation of the shuttle coreeffects air supply to first one of the lines 214 and 216 and then to theother.

FIG. 10 shows a simple overall electric control for the operation of thechute 20 and strand severing apparatus 22.

In operation at start-up of the pulling wheel 10 an operator closes acontrol switch 220. A control relay CR1 is energized. The energizedcontrol relay CR1 closes contacts that actuate the valve 142 (seeFIG. 1) to provide air under pressure to the cylinder 124 through thesupply line 144 to extend the piston rod 128 (rack 130); The chute 20 ismoved into its strand collection position and the extended piston rod.128 engages a limit switch LS1. Electrical energy is supplied throughthe closed switch LS1 to a time delay relay T and to a control relay CR2through a'closed contact T-1.

The energized relay CR2 actuates the solenoid control valve 218 tosupply air to the shuttle core within the valve 212. The blade 162 isreciprocated; however, at start-up the operator normally positions thechute 20 in its strand collection position before the strands 14 areprovided to the pulling wheel 10.

The timer is set to time out (open contact T-l) upon a desired number ofblade reciprocations, which may be only one pass of the blade 62 alongthe notch 166. But normally 5 to 7 reciprocations are used.

Next, the operator provides the strands 14 to the rotating pulling wheel10, which advances the strands 14 as a band into the strand collectionregionv 114 of the chute 20 as shown in FIG. 1. During this time theband of strands 14 are normally oscillated back and forth across thechute 20 as indicated by the dashed strand lines in FIG. 1.

The operator opens the switch 220 to de-energize the control relay CR1".The valve 148 is activated to supply air to the cylinder 124 through thesupply lines 142. The piston rod 128 is retracted. And the chute 20begins to move towards its inclined rest position.

The pulling wheel 10 continues to deliver the strands The rotatingpulling wheel 10 feeds the strands 14 to the moving collection surface16 as the chute 20 moves out of the oscillating path of the band ofstrands 14. But strands 14 cascade to hang over the forward end of thechute 20 between the chute and collection surface as indicated in FIG.11 because the strands 14 are continuous.

Movement of the collection surface tends to move the strands 14downstream of the chute 20 as indicated in FIG. 12. t v

As the chute 20 tilts towards its inclined rest position; the forwardend of the chute moves upwardly. l'Ience,

the strand severing apparatus 22 is also moved to posi- 7 tion itsextensions 152 to point upwardly.

The strands 14 are divided into the spaces 156 between the extensions154 so that the strands 14 are at the base regions of the spaces 156'asgenerally shown in FIG. 11. Strands at the ends of the member 152 areguided by the edge 160 into a space 156.

The moving strands 14 position themselves into'the apex regions 156awhere they are engaged sufficiently by the fingers 154'to stop linearmotion and thereby fix walls of the groove. 166 to sever the strands.14. The slant guide surfaces 204 push errant strands into severingrelationship with the blade 162. The free lengths of the severed strands14 fall onto the collection surface 16. The accumulation of strand 14 inthe inclined chute 20 is transferred to the hopper 19.

The timer T times out to open the contacts T1. The blade-162 ceases toreciprocate and comes to rest at one end of the member 152 under theportion 158 as indicated in dashed lines in FIG. -4.

The strand severing apparatus 22 is shown actuated at two locations,i.e., upon arrival of the chute 20 at its strand collection position andupon arrival of the chute 20 at its inclined rest-position.

During the times the strands 14 are accumulating on the rotating pullingwheel 10 strand severance is effected by the device 22 when the chute 20is in its strand collection position. When a strand hang-up on therotating pulling wheel 10 occurs, the operator closes switch 220 to movethe chute 20 towards its strand collection position. As the chute moves,the member 152 passes through the paths of the strands 14. The strandsmove into the spaces 156 between the 'extensions 154. Upon arrival ofthe chute 20 at its strand collection position, the control apparatusoperates to reciprocate the blade 162 and effect strand severance.

We claim: I

1. Apparatus for producing continuous glass strand comprising:

means for supplying streams of molten glass for attenuation intocontinuous glass filaments;

means for combining the filaments into a glass strand;

rotary means for attenuating the molten glass streams into continuousglass filaments and linearly feeding the strand to a primary collectionregion;

a movable interim collector for receiving fed strand;

strand severing means carried by the interim collector;

means for moving the interim collector'to a location between the rotaryfeed means and the primary collection region effective for collection offed strand; and I means for withdrawing the interim collector from itsstrand receiving location with a load of strand during continued feedingof strand by the rotary means, such withdrawing means moving the interimcollector in a direction effective to bring the strand severing meansinto severing engagement with strand caused to hang from the interimcollector by withdrawal of the interim collector from the path of thefed strand.

2. Apparatus for producing continuous glass strand mat comprising: I v

means for supplying molten streams of glass for attenuation intocontinuous glass filaments;

means for gathering the glass filaments into glass strands;

a surface for-collection of the glass strands;

a pulling wheel spaced above the surface for attenuation of the moltenglass streams and linear advancement'of the strands into the collectionsurface;

means for rotating the pulling wheel;

means for advancing the collection surface in the direction of the axisof rotation of the pulling wheel;

a movably mounted chute for interim collection of strand fed from thepulling wheel;

strand severing apparatus at the forward end of the means for moving thechute into a strand receiving position between the pulling wheel and thecollection surface for interim collection of fed strand at start-up ofthe pulling wheel;

means for withdrawing the chute after the pulling wheel has begun tofeed the strand, the withdrawing means moving the chute in a directiongenerally opposite the direction of projection of the extensions tocause fed strand to hang from the chute and extend through spacesbetween the extensions and across the groove at the support surface; andmeans for reciprocating the circular blade along the groove to sever thestrand, the extensions being sufficiently close to the path of the bladeto limit lateral movement of the strand in the zone of severance andthereby assist in severance of the strand.

3. Apparatus of claim 2 in which the chute is a longitudinal open toppedcontainer and the extensions project in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the chute.

4. Apparatus of claim 2 in which the chute is tilted upwardly duringwithdrawal and thereby position the extensions to point upwardly duringstrand severance.

5. Apparatus of claim 3 in which the chute is tilted between 30 and 60from the horizontal.

1. Apparatus for producing continuous glass strand comprising: means forsupplying streams of molten glass for attenuation into continuous glassfilaments; means for combining the filaments into a glass strand; rotarymeans for attenuating the molten glass streams into continuous glassfilaments and linearly feeding the strand to a primary collectionregion; a movable interim collector for receiving fed strand; strandsevering means carried by the interim collector; means for moving theinterim collector to a location between the rotary feed means and theprimary collection region effective for collection of fed strand; andmeans for withdrawing the interim collector from its strand receivinglocation with a load of strand during continued feeding of strand by therotary means, such withdrawing means moving the interim collector in adirection effective to bring the strand severing means into severingengagement with strand caused to hang from the interim collector bywithdrawal of the interim collector from the path of the fed strand. 2.Apparatus for producing continuous glass strand mat comprising: meansfor supplying molten streams of glass for attenuation into continuousglass filaments; means for gathering the glass filaments into glassstrands; a surface for collection of the glass strands; a pulling wheelspaced above the surface for attenuation of the molten glass streams andlinear advancement of the strands into the collection surface; means forrotating the pulling wheel; means for advancing the collection surfacein the direction of the axis of rotation of the pulling wheel; a movablymounted chute for interim collection of strand fed from the pullingwheel; strand severing apparatus at the forward end of the chutecomprising side-by-side spaced apart strand retaining extensionsprojecting beyond the forward end of the chute, a strand severancebacking surface disposed generally normal to and laterally of theprojections, the surface having a groove disposed transversely of theextensions, a circular blade having a cutting edge movable along thegroove into severing engagement with strand disposed transversely of thegroove; means for moving the chute into a strand receiving positionbetween the pulling wheel and the collection surface for interimcollection of fed strand at start-up of the pulling wheel; means forwithdrawing the chute after the pulling wheel has begun to feed thestrand, the withdrawing means moving the chute in a direction generallyopposite the direction of projection of the extensions to cause fedstrand to hang from the chute and extend through spaces between theextensions and across the groove at the support surface; and means forreciprocating the circular blade along the groove to sever the strand,the extensions being sufficiently close to the path of the blade tolimit lateral movement of the strand in the zone of severance andthereby assist in severance of the strand.
 3. Apparatus of claim 2 inwhich the chute is a longitudinal open topped container and theextensions project in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe chuTe.
 4. Apparatus of claim 2 in which the chute is tilted upwardlyduring withdrawal and thereby position the extensions to point upwardlyduring strand severance.
 5. Apparatus of claim 3 in which the chute istilted between 30* and 60* from the horizontal.